The full-time cat rules for the Shire of South Gippsland.
South Gippsland has adopted a round-the-clock (24 hour) cat containment order across the whole Shire, so your cat needs to be kept on your own property at all times rather than out roaming the neighbourhood. Here's what we've collated on the council's cat rules, covering containment, registration and what it takes to build a cat enclosure, with links to the council's own pages.
Cat rules in South Gippsland at a glance.
A quick snapshot of the local cat rules. It's a starting point rather than the last word, so read the questions below and check with the council before you build.
- Cat containment
- A 24 hour containment order applies across the Shire, so your cat must be kept on your property at all times, day and night. Confirm the exact start date with the council.
- Registration
- Cats three months and older must be registered with the council and microchipped, with registration renewed each year.
- Desexing
- Not currently compulsory, but desexed cats pay a lower registration fee and the council is looking at a mandatory desexing order.
- Cats per property
- Up to two cats without a permit; keeping more than two needs a council permit for extra animals.
- Enclosure permit
- A cat run itself needs no animal permit; a building or planning permit can apply for larger or taller structures, so check with the council.
Last reviewed July 2026.
Your South Gippsland questions, answered.
What locals ask about the cat rules and building a catio in South Gippsland.
This information is not professional or legal advice, it's research we've collated to help you get started. Council rules change, so always check the current details with the Shire of South Gippsland (opens in a new tab) before you build. If any information here is wrong or out of date, please contact us so we can update it. We don't guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.
Does the Shire of South Gippsland have a cat curfew or containment rules?
Yes. The council has adopted a 24 hour, round-the-clock cat containment order across the whole Shire under its Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029, so your cat needs to be kept on your own property at all times, not just overnight. Cats don't have to be locked inside, so a fully enclosed cat run is a tidy way to give your cat fresh air and outdoor time while keeping it on the property and out of trouble. It's worth confirming the exact start date with the council, as the order is being rolled out under the new plan.
Do I need to register my cat with the Shire of South Gippsland?
Yes. Under Victorian law and the council's own rules, cats three months and older must be registered with South Gippsland Shire, and registration is renewed every year. Your cat needs to be microchipped before you can register it, and you'll get a council tag it should wear. Fees are set each year, so check the council's Register Your Pet page for the current amount.
Does my cat need to be desexed and microchipped?
Microchipping is required before you can register your cat, and you provide the microchip number when you apply. Desexing isn't compulsory in South Gippsland at the moment, but desexed cats pay a reduced registration fee, and the council is exploring a mandatory cat desexing order for the future. Desexing also cuts down on wandering and unwanted litters, so it's worth doing anyway. Check with the council for the latest position.
How many cats can I keep at one property in South Gippsland?
You can keep up to two cats at a property without needing a permit. If you'd like more than two, you have to apply to the council for a permit to keep additional animals. The limit is the same across the different zones in the Shire, so if you're planning a multi-cat household it pays to sort the permit first.
Do I need a council permit to build a cat enclosure in South Gippsland?
The cat run itself doesn't need an animal permit. What can come into play is a building or planning permit, depending on the size and height of the structure and where it sits on your block. As a general guide in Victoria a small, low enclosure often sits under the building permit threshold, but overlays and boundary setbacks can change that, so it's best to check with the council's building and planning team before you start.
Are there height or boundary rules a catio has to meet?
There can be. Whether a building permit is needed usually comes down to the floor area, the height and how close the structure sits to your boundaries, and a planning overlay on your property can add extra rules. We didn't find a South Gippsland specific figure published for cat enclosures, so the safest move is to run your plans past the council. We build to fit your space and can design the enclosure to sit within the common thresholds.
What happens if my cat is found wandering in South Gippsland?
If your cat is found off your property it can be picked up, and with the containment order in place a fine can be issued for a cat roaming at large. A microchip and council tag make it much easier for the council to get your cat straight back to you rather than holding it at the pound. Keeping your cat contained on your property, whether indoors or in a secure cat enclosure, is the simplest way to avoid fines and keep your cat safe.
Can I build a catio if I rent or live in an apartment?
Yes, plenty of our enclosures suit renters and units. If you're renting, get your landlord's written okay first and lean towards a freestanding or removable design that won't damage the building and can move with you. For an apartment, a balcony or window enclosure can work well, though you may also need to check owners corporation or body corporate rules. Either way we can tailor a cat run to your setup.
How does a catio help me follow South Gippsland's cat rules?
A fully enclosed catio keeps your cat safely on your property, which is exactly what containment rules ask for, while still giving them fresh air and the sounds and smells of outside. We build a range of escape-proof enclosures, from a discreet patio catio to a side run or netting over the whole backyard, so there's an option to suit your home. Build a quote to get started.
Do you build cat enclosures in South Gippsland?
Yes, we build custom catios right across greater Melbourne, including the Shire of South Gippsland. If you're not sure you're in range, get in touch and we'll let you know.
Where can I check the official Shire of South Gippsland rules?
Always confirm the current rules with the council directly via the Shire of South Gippsland website (opens in a new tab). The guide above is research we've collated to help you get started, not legal advice, see the note at the foot of this page.
Catios that keep you on the right side of the rules.
A fully enclosed enclosure keeps your cat safely on your property, exactly what containment rules ask for, while still giving them fresh air and the sounds and smells of outside. Here's the full range we build across greater Melbourne, including the Shire of South Gippsland.
Planning a catio in South Gippsland?
Tell us about your cats and your space. We'll be in touch to book a no-obligation site visit and quote, and can talk through what your council expects.
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